Charlotte City Tote

A stylish chic tote featuring hanging handles, a magnetic snap top closure and vinyl overlays that present a store-bought look and feel. The interior is spacious with a zippered pocket and small strap connecting the two sides, giving this mid-sized tote its classic functional shape.

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: 2/4
You should already be somewhat familiar with sewing patterns and common sewing terms.

You MAY sell bags you make with this pattern.

19 reviews for Charlotte City Tote

Rated 5 out of 5

Evelyne Almberg (verified owner)–April 30, 2018

Charlotte is my go-to-pattern, I simply love her! She is the perfect size for everyday. I have enough room for my lunchbox, bottle, wallet, phone and room to spare. The pattern is also quick and easy.

Rated 5 out of 5

Kristin Sirota –April 26, 2018

Charlotte is such a functional bag! I made one for my best friend and she crams it full of everything she could need to survive LOL It goes together fairly quickly too. The front and back panels are so big, they are the perfect blank canvas to showcase your favorite fabric, embroidery design, or applique work.

Rated 5 out of 5

Piete (verified owner)–April 26, 2018

Love it, I have made several. I am carrying one now that has a copy of my Grandfather’s citizenship paperwork from 1929. Charlotte is a great canvas to display great custom or specialty fabrics. (and, she holds a bunch!). One of my favorites.

Rated 5 out of 5

Cassara Wagner –December 13, 2016

I loved this pattern! I finally got back into sewing to make my mother-in-law a purse for Christmas. Easy to follow and super fun!

Rated 5 out of 5

Amy (verified owner)–September 25, 2016

Great pattern! Quick and easy sewing project, and the finished bag looks fantastic. Thanks for another fantastic pattern!

Rated 5 out of 5

cynthia (verified owner)–August 13, 2016

I found this pattern easy to follow but surprised at the size finished! thought it would have made bigger for a beach bag at 100%. I love it anyways

Rated 5 out of 5

Alicia –August 10, 2016

Hi Christine, see Step 1 for pocket measurements.

Rated 1 out of 5

Christine (verified owner)–August 9, 2016

Pattern is incomplete. The pattern for the inside pocket is missing in the instructions. I’m disappointed with the complete oversight.

Rated 5 out of 5

itsmybag4u (verified owner)–September 13, 2015

Just found you site and have several patterns in my cart can’t wait to get started. Will send pictures when I’ve finished my frist one.

Rated 5 out of 5

Jamie (verified owner)–May 26, 2015

I love this pattern! it was my first Swoon pattern, and I’ve already made two. The directions were easy to follow and I love that it has directions for vinyl and woven fabric.

Rated 5 out of 5

Stacey Maddox –February 24, 2015

Excellent pattern! I loved the vinyl tutorial. If you are afraid of sewing with vinyls, this pattern is a great start. It’s very versatile and really highlights whatever main fabric you use. Everyone is impressed when they see this bag. Not overly complicated, but looks like it!! My new favorite go-to gift! You may need a walking foot or a good machine thats not afraid of a little bulk. This pattern was the final straw that inspired me to upgrade my starter machine into something bigger 🙂

Rated 5 out of 5

WENDY (verified owner)–December 15, 2014

I really enjoyed making Charlotte. If you want to venture into sewing with vinyl, Charlotte is your girl. If you’re not quite ready to make that leap the instructions include using fabric as your accent. It’s a great bag, that looks like it should be complicated but really isn’t. People will be impressed with all of the details, just don’t tell them how easy they actually were 😉

Rated 5 out of 5

Jill (verified owner)–December 15, 2014

Afraid of vinyl or leather. This is not only a lovely bag, but the instructions will walk you through sewing with amazing leather, vinyl, pleather, you name it. The size is great and the bag is oooh la la!

Rated 5 out of 5

Kelly –December 15, 2014

This bag is so fashion forward in it’s design – it looks smashing in any fabric combination. I made mine out of quilters cotton for the top section and wool for the bottom section. the directions are easy to follow and clearly written. i love having a PDF file which allows me to just print the pattern pieces and read the directions off my computer.

Rated 5 out of 5

Connie T –December 15, 2014

Love the Style! Love the Room! Love how you can Look like a Million walking down the Street! Love my Charlotte City Tote!

Rated 5 out of 5

Kristal –December 15, 2014

Really enjoyed making this bag. First welt pocket and first time sewing with vinyl, both were made easy by the awesome pattern and the helpful facebook group.
Great instructions, try it 🙂

The bags details are great and eye catching. The pattern is well written (as are all Swoon Patterns) and it helps break the fear of sewing with vinyl. Love this bag as an everyday carry.

Rated 5 out of 5

Nydia Torres (verified owner)–December 15, 2014

I’ve only been sewing for 10 months and found this pattern easy to follow. I especially like that the instructions have been included for using vinyl or for an all fabric bag. I’ve gotten multiple compliments on mine and just finished a second one. I’m planning to make a few others!

Rated 5 out of 5

melissa m. –December 15, 2014

This pattern got me over my fear of sewing with vinyl. I was so afraid of it beforehand, but the instructions are detailed for a vinyl newbie. (They also gNoive you instructions to omit the vinyl…but don’t be scared! Use the vinyl!) To date it is my most complimented bag!